A section of the crucial N2 highway, closed for hours due to a dangerous wildfire, has been reopened, authorities confirmed this morning. The blaze, which tore through parts of Mossel Bay on Tuesday night, forced evacuations and has left a trail of destruction, with reports indicating at least ten homes were destroyed.
The Joint Operations Centre in Mossel Bay announced the reopening of the N2 between the Langeberg Mall off-ramp and Dana Bay. The road was shut down due to heavy smoke and unsafe visibility caused by the fast-moving fire.
While the immediate danger has passed and the fires have been largely contained, the aftermath is devastating. According to a reporter on the scene, multiple houses and vehicles were destroyed, leaving several families who “lost everything.” Fire crews from the Garden Route District Municipality, George, and other surrounding areas worked tirelessly overnight to battle the flames under difficult conditions.
“The fires were extremely fast-moving due to the high winds and very dry vegetation,” the reporter stated. “Under those conditions, it becomes impossible to defend every structure.”
There is no official confirmation yet on the exact number of homes lost or the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation. However, community sources and social media reports suggest at least ten houses were razed.
The community response to the displaced residents has been swift and generous. Local families, friends, and even strangers opened their homes to those forced to evacuate, with local accommodations also offering shelter.
Firefighters remain on the ground monitoring for hotspots as the community begins to assess the full scale of the damage.